One more question..... What is connecting thread? I'm new to quilting and have never heard of this. When I started machine quilting Joann's had thread for 1/2 off and I bought 8 spools of the cotton quilting thread. I hate it. It is as curly as curl ribbon. I wish I hadn't bought so much of it, but 1/2 off is a good bargain. Like my hubby says, it's not a bargain if you don't like it.